Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Burgess, John Cart
BURGESS, JOHN CART (1798–1863), flower and landscape painter, born in 1798, was a grandson of the portrait-painter, William Burgess (d. 1812) [q. v.]. He commenced the profession as a painter of flowers and fruit in water-colours, and first exhibited at the Royal Academy three flower pieces in 1812; at that time residing at 46 Sloane Square, Chelsea. He also exhibited in Suffolk Street and at the British Institution. His works were much admired, and in brilliancy and beauty of execution rivalled those of Van Huysum. Marrying at the age of twenty-seven, the requirements of a growing family compelled him to relinquish painting for the more lucrative occupation of teaching, and for many years he held a prominent position as a master. Among his pupils he numbered several members of the royal family. Burgess died at the residence of his son, Mr. John Burgess, Leamington, on 20 Feb. 1863. In 1811 he published a book on flower-painting and a treatise on perspective which has gone through several editions. Two studies by him are in the British Museum.
[Redgrave's Dictionary of Artists (1878).]